Bill
H 558
The bill makes American Sign Language mandatory in all Massachusetts public secondary schools to promote inclusive communication and support autistic students.
Status and Timeline
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Referred to: Committee on Education (February 27, 2025)
- Legislative actions: Hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Gardner Auditorium
- Related actions: Senate concurrence noted in the provided record
- Title: An Act to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language in the Commonwealth’s public schools (The American Sign Language Inclusion Act)
Purpose and Intent
- The bill aims to promote the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) in the Commonwealth’s public schools by moving ASL from a voluntary to a mandatory status in secondary education offerings.
- It also frames ASL as a tool that can support communication, including for students with autism, highlighting ASL’s visually based, unaided nature and its potential as a quick communication mode.
Key Provisions
- Section 1 (Mandatory ASL instruction in secondary schools):
- Amends Section 2B of Chapter 71 of the General Laws.
- Replaces the current language “may be taught” with “shall be taught in each of the Commonwealth’s secondary schools,” making ASL instruction mandatory at the secondary level.
- Section 2 (Rationale addition regarding autism):
- Inserts language after the word “society” explaining that many children with autism have been able to learn and communicate via sign language because it is visually based, unaided, and provides quick communication.
- Section 3 (Mandatory language reinforcement):
- Replaces the word “may” with “shall” in a line referencing Section 2B, reinforcing the mandatory nature of ASL instruction.
- Title and scope:
- The bill is focused specifically on public schools and the secondary education level; it does not specify timelines, funding, curriculum standards, teacher qualifications, or implementation phases beyond mandating instruction.
Affected Parties and Impacts
- Students: All students enrolled in Massachusetts public secondary schools would be required to have ASL as part of their curriculum.
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing students: Potentially improved access to communication and inclusion within regular school settings.
- Students with autism: The bill foregrounds ASL as a communication option that some autistic students may effectively use, signaling broader inclusivity considerations.
- Schools and districts: Will need to implement ASL instruction across all secondary schools, which may have implications for curriculum planning, teacher recruitment/training, and resource allocation.
- Educators and administrators: May require professional development, curriculum alignment with standards, and potential new or expanded ASL courses.
Procedural Considerations
- The bill would amend the General Laws (Chapter 71, Section 2B) to enforce mandatory ASL instruction at the secondary level.
- No specific funding, implementation timeline, or assessment metrics are included in the text provided.
- Public hearing scheduled; the bill is in the education committee stage, where details such as standards, curriculum frameworks, teacher certification, and funding would likely be addressed.
Notes
- The bill is identified as House Docket No. 4071 (House Bill No. 558) and is introduced by Representative Doherty of Taunton, with several co-patrons.
- The “ASL Inclusion Act” framing emphasizes accessibility and broad language about the value of sign language in education.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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